When handling a chiminea it is important to never lift from the neck as the bond between the neck and bowl could separate. The best way to carry a Chiminea is to grab hold of the chiminea mouth with one hand and cradle the point where the neck meets the bowl with your other arm.

It is important to insulate the bowl of the Chiminea so the fire is not directly against the clay. Play sand works very well and you can find it at your local home centre. Once you have filled your chiminea with sand you must remove the sand to move it.

The first few fires should be relatively small. You want to "season" your chiminea. Build small fires with a couple pieces of kindling. Do this for the first 5-10 fires. Be sure and let the fire burn out naturally. Do not use lighter fluid or any other type of flame enhancing material. The clay can absorb the liquid.